Item — HN Reader

I do not own one. 6-12 months ago, I was doing a bunch of research on them but couldn't justify the investment as I wasn't sure I'd get enough use out of one. My first thought when I saw this question on HN was, "wow, I haven't thought about 3D printers in 6 months. I'm glad I didn't buy one." I'm sure if I had bought one, I would have used it. But given how little I've thought about it in the past 6 months, I'm glad I didn't. But that is likely mostly because my job doesn't require that type of technology and my personal projects tend to be software oriented.

I know I didn't quite answer the intent of the question, but I thought the $0.02 might still be useful.

1 comments

Same boat here, I've looked into them and like the idea of buying one, but I don't feel I'd get much use out of it. I guess I should think of them as a toy and something to play around with in the evenings, instead of a useful tool.

If I had a son like the other poster, I'd be all over these, I think they'd be a lot of fun with kids. I'd like the technology aspect and problem solving, and a kid would love being able to print their own toys and parts.

Also, 3D printers seem early for me to buy in. The technology is changing rapidly, and it's difficult to tell who's going to come out on top. I'm in no rush, so maybe in a couple of years when I have a little more time, and 3D printers mature, I'll pick one up.